If you are wanting to see lush, green moss and some of the tallest trees in the west, GO. If you are from the Northwest and haven’t made it to the Olympic Peninsula, GO! If this is your backyard like it is mine, WE ARE SO LUCKY.

The Staircase Loop Trail is a little over 2 miles, which easily turns into 5 miles for us with all of our wanderings. It is fairly easy and there were many families out enjoying the cold, crisp day.

We took to the trail with cameras and tripods in hand. One of the things I love about adventuring with Mary, is the no rush vibe we get when we see a spot that HAS to be photographed. These outings are a perfect opportunity to hone our skills with no pressure and the ability to really set up a shot.

I’ve been lucky to photograph some really fun Seniors this year! Taylor was no exception. This gal knew how to take her photo session at Opera Alley in Tacoma to a new level. Lots of fun, some laughter, and natural beauty was shining through for the whole session. I wish Taylor nothing but the best on her year ahead!

I’ve gotten in this new habit of taking an afternoon off from the 9-5 to go adventure off in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With so many destinations within a few hours’ drive, it seems wasteful not to. It transforms a day from a morning of meetings to an afternoon of outdoor bliss. This time, I took to the mountain with my favorite adventure and photography friend Mary Jo. We decided on a simple hike to the Fremont Fire Lookout. What was supposed to be a casual 5 mile hike, proved to be more difficult for us than expected. Lots of breaks for “photos” and conversation made the trip much easier. Once we reached our destination, we celebrated with a libation and a lot of photo taking. Back down was much easier, with many stops to take in the gorgeous Mountain Sunset and wildlife. It may have been dark when we got back to the car, but we both agreed it was worth the adventure.

I’ve taken photos for this dear family several times in the past- it helps that we’ve known each other for a decade. When Krista advised me a photo session would be in order to help announce a new addition, I jumped at the idea! She’ll be a lucky mom to another beautiful baby boy and surrounded by her guys- Chris and Jake! We used the Sugar Beet Factory as our backdrop and had a lot of fun. Jake will be an amazing big brother, I just know it. Congratulations to you all!

After several weeks of hard work with my day job, I needed to take a few days off to disconnect from the everyday and get some extra adventuring in. I took to the Columbia River Gorge with my favorite companion and her2 year old (also my favorite) for a day of hiking.

We decided on Wahkeena Falls to get our PNW fix, knowing that half the vertical hike was paved. This made it “easier” with a little one strapped to my dear friend’s back. With several switchbacks and several goldfish crackers, we made it to Fairy Falls. The water was pristine and the moss and ferns were the most beautiful shades of green. All I could say the entire way up was, “This place is magic- and we live here”. What could have been made into a large loop hike, we made our finale the falls and made our way back down the trail, since hiking with a little one can be tricky. A quick zip to the Eastwind Drive In for a bite and HUGE ice cream cones for all and we were feeling like the day was the perfect amount of adventure and friendship.

This Senior Portrait Session was extra sentimental for me, since Hattie is like a little sister. You may recognize her from many photo sessions I have done with her family at Ritter Farms. I remember her as a baby, as a sweet little girl, and have had a great getting to know her as the amazing young woman that she is. This girl is going places. When she graduates from Cle Elum-Roslyn High School she is off to study at the Evergreen State College– here in Olympia and the family could not be more excited for her. She has been in 4H as a champion, an athlete, an amazing friend, and a gentle soul off to do more great things!

We took to Snoqualmie for this senior session- a good halfway point for both of us. The weather was perfect, we braved crowds, walked a thin line on a few laws, and enjoyed the afternoon together. Wishing Hattie all the best in her adventures ahead!

I’ve never had an immediate passion for newborn photography. I’ve always thought of it to be posed, pressured, and expensive. Over the last few years, my personal compass has needed an adjustment when it comes to newborn photography. First, many of my closest friends have had children recently and second, there is a need to capture the sweet first few days as they pass so quickly with the rush of visitors, appointments, feedings, and (maybe) sleeping.

With one of my close friends having a happy and healthy baby boy a few weeks back, I couldn’t help but offer to take a few photos of his sweet little self for their memory books.

We approached the photos as an afternoon in his nursery and 100% up to his sleep & feeding schedule. Using simple blankets and using natural light, we managed to capture some very sweet faces. He is bright, beaming, and such a sweet little guy. I can’t wait to capture more as he grows.